Herman''s eyes turned serious. "Keeping the Morton Group''s assets as they are is already a courtesy-for Tavon''s sake, since he''s Anastasia''s father."


    Nelson nodded. "Understood, Mr. Salstrom. I''ll take care of it right away."


    Herman waved him off, and as Nelson left, Henry stepped in, a stack of contracts in hand. “Mr. Salstrom, could you sign these? They''re all for the South Bay Project."


    Herman flipped through the papers, gave a quick nce to make sure everything checked out, and signed his name.


    Henry was new to thepany, but he''d risen faster than anyone else. Honestly, he started at a higher level from day one.


    But to keep things fair and avoid ruffling feathers, Anastasia had trimmed Henry''s starting sry a bit.


    Henry understood. He was still on probation, after all. Nelson had been with Herman for years his status, influence, and pay were all on another level.


    Herman studied Henry for a moment. He definitely had what it took someone worth trusting.


    After the signatures, Herman said, "I''ve already spoken to HR and ounting. Starting next month, you''re getting a twenty percent raise. Keep it up."


    Henry broke into a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Salstrom. All a man really needs is someone who believes in him."


    Herman took a calm sip of his coffee. "Only the best horses find the right trainer. You''ve earned it. I want you to take point on the renewable energy initiative. Think you''re ready?"


    Henry didn''t hesitate. "You can count on me."


    Herman nodded, satisfied. "Good. Go get started. Renewable energy is a huge market—it''s tough, but it could move the whole economy. Or wipe us out. It''s in your hands."


    A new market always came with challenges.


    But Henry was young, full of the confidence and pride of his age. He made a fist and tapped his chest. "I love a challenge. Oh-and, Mr. Salstrom, I''d like to bring two friends onto the team. We graduated together, and they''re solid. You won''t be disappointed."


    Herman''s tone was firm. “It''s your project, so build your team. Just make sure you deliver."


    "No problem." Henry was bursting with energy. That''s how it was at his age- given an opportunity, you just wanted to go all-in.


    Only the young could be so fearless, so focused on charging ahead.


    With work matters settled, Herman cleared his ns for the evening-he''d made dinner ns with Anastasia, just the two of them. Time to reconnect, to start fresh.


    Anastasia arrived first at the little bistro. She chose a window seat in the inner courtyard, the old wooden window open, looking out on the magnolia blossoms.


    She picked up the menu, making her choices. A gentle breeze floated in, sending magnolia petals across her table. From the entrance, you could see her framed by the red window, the flowers, and the swaying green leaves-a picture of elegance.


    That''s when Herman arrived and caught the scene. He also noticed someone by


    a pir in the hallway-Rowan.


    Rowan''s eyes were fixed on Anastasia by the window.


    He was following her.


    Herman''s expression turned cold in an instant. Rowan noticed, shot Herman a look, and slipped out the far exit.


    "Herman, over here!" Anastasia called, spotting him and waving.


    Herman let Rowan go, pushing aside his irritation, and walked over to her.


    When he sat down, Anastasia grinned. "What were you doing standing out there, daydreaming?"


    "You were just too beautiful-I couldn''t help but stare a little longer," Herman said honestly, the words making Anastasia''s heart flutter.


    "I ordered three dishes and a soup. Want to add anything?" Anastasia teased, "Remember our first dinner out? You took me to that super. fancy restaurant. I was too nervous to order-bottled water was,tike, twenty bucks."


    Back then, Anastasia had found the whole thing way too extravagant. Now, after


    being swept into Herman''s world, luxury was just part of life.


    She understood now-back then,


    he''d been careful not to embarrass her or go overboard. If he hadn''t held back, he probably could''ve dropped a fortune on a single meal


    Herman smiled, warm and easy. "No need to add anything. This is perfect. By the


    way, how was your day out with your mom and the little one?"